The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms Overcome Cancer, Prevent Infections, Aid Your Heart, Cope with Stress, Counteract Aging and Improve Overall Health with Medicinal Fungi Cancer and autoimmune diseases are common in modern society. People’s immune systems are under a great deal of stress from exposure to chemicals and the fast pace of modern life. Therefore, keeping your immune system healthy is essential to reduce your risk of these serious health problems. Fortunately, there are allies in the fungal kingdom that can help keep your immune system in top condition. Mushrooms are commonly thought of as just food, but scientific Your guide to better health the natural way. health the natural better guide to Your research has shown that over 270 species of fungi have medicinal value. This goes along with historical tradition of using mushrooms in herbal medicine, most notably in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Medicinal mushrooms have many healing properties, but they are especially helpful for the immune system. They can stimulate the immune system to help fight infections and cancer. Some can also modulate the immune system to reduce excess immune activity in autoimmune disorders. Some are hepatoprotective, which means they protect the liver (and other organs) from damage from environmental toxins. The adaptogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal mushrooms also make them great for promoting overall health. Mushrooms can also lower blood pressure 3 No. 31 Vol. and cholesterol to benefit the heart and circulation, which means they can help prevent the number one killer disease in modern society, heart disease.

How Mushrooms Improve Health Important Notice The information in Sunshine Sharing Medicinal mushrooms contain many health-promoting is for educational purposes only and compounds, including triterpenoids, proteins, and complex should not be used to diagnose and treat polysaccharides such as beta-glucans. Beta-glucans have been diseases. If you have a health problem, we recommend you consult a competent shown to stimulate immunity, reduce insulin resistance, and lower health practitioner before embarking on cholesterol. Mushrooms high in beta-glucans can be beneficial any course of treatment. in helping the body fight infections and cancer by stimulating Sunshine Sharing is an independent educational publication and receives no immune system activity. financial support from any herb or health In addition to beta-glucans, medicinal mushrooms can contain resistant starch, up to product manufacturer. Your comments, questions and personal experiences 15% by dry weight. This starch is an excellent prebiotic, which means it provides food for are welcome. Send them to Sunshine beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. A healthy intestinal biome helps keep the digestive Sharing, P.O. Box 911239, St. George, system and the entire body in better health. UT 84791-1239 or comments@treelite. com. Essential sugars, or glyconutrients, make up about 10% dry weight of many fungi. These Copyright © 2020 by Tree of Light sugars have a stimulating effect on white blood cells and the formation of antibodies. They (a division of Kether-One, Inc.). Photocopying this publication for help the immune system recognize pathogens and cancer cells and communicate these distribution is strictly forbidden. If you discoveries to the rest of the immune system so it can perform its job more effectively. receive a photocopy of this publication, the distributor of said photocopies is in Medicinal mushrooms are also nutritious. They contain B vitamins such as riboflavin, violation of copyright law. folate, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin and trace minerals like selenium, copper Managing Editor/Writer: Steven Horne and iron. Some species also contain significant amounts of vitamin D3, one of the most Editor: David Horne common nutritional deficiencies in modern society. Associate Editors: Carolyn Hughes, Continued on page 2 Katie Horne

Order products from Herbal Rose Health & Wellness - (775) 499-5877 - http://herbalrose.mynsp.com/ Continued from page one lungs. It can help to improve blood flow, normalize cholesterol levels and may help reduce blood pressure. Meet the Medicinal Cordyceps stimulated testosterone production in laboratory animals and increased a type of estrogen essential to fertility in Mushrooms another study. This correlates with its Chinese reputation as a tonic There are many species of medicinal fungi, but they tend to for sexual weakness and reduced libido. have the following health promoting properties. They are immune The lung or metal energy in the Chinese system relates to the stimulating, having antibacterial, antiviral and/or antifungal action. immune function in Western medicine and cordyceps definitely Many aid the ability of the body to recognize and destroy cancer aids the immune system. It enhances the ability of the body to cells. They also combat free radical damage and help the body cope prevent and fight infection and is very helpful for people who have better with stress. Here are some of the more popular medicinal weak lungs and are constantly getting sick. fungi and their beneficial effects. It is also helpful in asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, C. militaris) pulmonary disease). Improvements in symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, appetite and energy have been reported. Cordyceps made international headlines in 1993, when female Cordyceps may also enhance the immune function in both Chinese runners smashed nine world cancer and autoimmune disorders. One study showed cordyceps records in a major competition. Not helping animals with systemic lupus. It can strengthen a person one of them was ranked in the top undergoing chemotherapy and reduces blood vessel growth to 10 before these contests. Their coach attributed this remarkable the tumors. athletic performance to the use of caterpillar fungus, or cordyceps. If you want something that will boost your general vitality Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on the larvae of a caterpillar. and immunity, cordyceps is a good remedy for you. It is especially While the caterpillar is hibernating underground, the fungus invades helpful for counteracting the effects of aging. Doses of just 3 the organism and consumes the bug. The result is a caterpillar shaped grams per day (about 6 capsules) have resulted in improvements mushroom. In the spring, it puts up a stem-like mushroom, which in energy, libido, memory and tolerance to cold, and reductions gives the herb its Chinese name—dong chong xia cao. Literally in dizziness, tinnitus and frequent nighttime urination. A typical translated this means, “winter bug, summer grass.” dose for enhancing respiratory or immune function would be 2-3 capsules three times daily. There are no known side-effects or Wild grown cordyceps, as shown above, is extremely expensive. drug interactions. Fortunately, it can now be cultivated as shown in the photo below. Cordyceps is an energy tonic in Chinese medicine and has been Reishi or Ling zhi used for about 1,500 years. It is (Ganoderma lucidum) right up there with ginseng as a Japanese researchers began superior tonic, due to its effects studying Reishi, also known as on increasing energy levels, sex Ganoderma, in the mid-1980s. drive and athletic performance. Their published findings caught the It enhances both the yin and attention of Western researchers, the yang energy in the body and it who began to study the fungus, which has been used for thousands supports the Chinese kidney (water) and lung (metal) energy. The of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Reishi has Chinese kidney system includes some aspects of adrenal function, consistently impressed the biomedical community as a potential because it relates to basic energy and stamina. There is also an aspect source for compounds that can help hypertension, diabetes, of reproductive function in the Chinese kidney energy system. hepatitis, cancer, and AIDS. Cordyceps helps in all these areas. It increases energy, improves Clinical studies show that Reishi has a wide range of actions. stamina and can overcome sexual dysfunction. For starters, it boosts the immune function (via natural killer In Western terms, cordyceps has adaptogenic, antioxidant, cells, macrophages and interferon) to fight both viral and bacterial sedative and immune balancing characteristics. It also has an infections. It also balances or modulates the immune system in hepatoprotective effect, enhances kidney and lymphatic function auto-immune disorders. Because of this, Reishi is widely used for and helps balance blood sugar levels. Researchers have shown that conditions of immune deficiency such as cancer, AIDS and chronic cordyceps increases ATP production, which enhances cellular fatigue syndrome, as well as autoimmune conditions such as lupus, energy. This helps explain its traditional use in enhancing strength rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Ankylosing spondylitis. and endurance. It may also be helpful in relieving allergies, bronchitis, HIV and inflammation. Other studies suggest that cordyceps has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It measures 12,000 on the ORAC Reishi’s anticancer activity is unique in that its triterpenes and scale and can be helpful for inflammation associated with asthma polysaccharides limit tumor growth by blocking the abnormal and rheumatoid arthritis. It also has a protective effect on the liver reproductive cycles of cancer cells. Some of its compounds and kidneys and is a tonic for the heart, cardiovascular system and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, while 2 - Order products from Herbal Rose Health & Wellness - (775) 499-5877 - http://herbalrose.mynsp.com/ sparing healthy tissue. Other enhance the ability of immune cells to kill and consume lung and compounds in Reishi inhibit breast cancer cells. Besides enhancing immunity, maitake may metastatic processes and decrease also help control both high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. the expression of genes involved in cancer cell survival, proliferation, Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) invasion, and metastasis. Famous for its rich texture Reishi may be helpful for and meaty flavor, shiitake may combating viral infections. Polysaccharides isolated from Reishi be the most researched fungi in have also proven effective in vitro against herpes simplex virus terms of potential health benefits. types 1 and 2. Reishi isolates have also been tested against other Studies show that shiitake is rich in viral strains, including influenza A, and demonstrated effectiveness vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, but it also against their replication. contains powerful compounds that discourage inflammation and Reishi also helps your cardiovascular system by lowering blood bad bacteria, inhibit tumor growth, and destroy harmful viruses pressure and cholesterol, and protecting the heart. It has been and fungi. Studies also show that shiitake also have antiviral used in the treatment of heart deficiency, angina pectoris, heart and anticancer effects. It produces a large amount of vitamin D palpitations and arrhythmia. when exposed to sunlight and can be used as a natural vitamin D supplement. Reishi is hepatoprotective, protecting the liver against radiation and damage by toxins. It has an ORAC value of 4,000. Reishi Shiitake has been used as medicine in China for at least 500 also has neuroprotective properties. It has a significant ability to years, for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver stimulate brain neurons. trouble, exhaustion and weakness, and low life energy or qi. It contains lentian, a protein-rich polysaccharide that simulates Reishi can help to balance blood sugar and prevent the macrophages which boost other parts of the immune system. It development of new fat cells in obese individuals. In a study also contains antiviral compounds. For example, a water soluble involving diabetic rats, Reishi enhanced carbohydrate metabolism lignin-rich fraction has been found to have powerful antiviral activity and promoted insulin secretion. In a clinical trial of patients with type II diabetes, 1800 mg. of Reishi given 3 times daily reduced Shiitake grows on dead or dying hardwood trees and has been glucose levels. In other clinical studies, the glucans in Reishi cultivated for food and medicine on small scale in China and Japan inhibited hypoglycemia. Reishi is the principle ingredient in the for over 1,000 years. 1982 research made large-scale commercial Chinese Wood Increasing Formula, which helps people who are cultivation possible, and shiitake subsequently entered the U.S. weak, anemic and deficient to rebuild their health. market, where it can often be found in supermarkets and eaten as an immune and health enhancing food or taken as part of the Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Immune Enhancing Mushroom Maitake is a soft mushroom Blend (described later). typically found growing at the base of Turkey Tail aging oaks, elms and maple trees. It has been used in traditional Japanese (Coriolus versicolor, medicine for centuries. After arousing Polyporus versicolor) the curiosity of Western medical researchers, extracts of maitake Turkey tail grows on dead were studied for their effects on the immune system and various hardwood trees and is one of the most abundant mushrooms found cancers. The research suggests that maitake induces apoptosis of in deciduous forests. Enzymes secreted from its mycelium are some cancer cells and helps restrict the proliferation of bloods vessels of the most potent toxin-destroyers found in nature, which means that feed tumors. Other studies show that maitake can shorten the it could be very helpful for cleaning up environmental pollution. course of cancer chemotherapy, prevent chemotherapy side effects, There are numerous studies that show it contains compounds and prevent destruction of T cells by HIV. that boost immune activity. Studies suggest various compounds Maitake is rich in complex polysaccharides, especially the beta- in turkey tail inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells, D-glucans. The mycelium contains low molecular weight sugars initiate apoptosis and stimulate immune responses such as natural and exopolysaccharides, known to activate immune responses and killer cells. An extract of turkey tail, known as PSK or krestin, is an approved Additional Help and Information anticancer drug in Asia. PSK enhances the effect of chemotherapy and radiation, prevents metastasis and has broad neoplastic activity. For more information about how medicinal mushrooms can help you It is immune enhancing and prolongs the activity of antibiotics. contact the person who gave you this newsletter. You can also consult It helps antibiotics be more effective with antibiotic resistant the following resources: bacteria like MRSA. It is also antiviral and inhibits the HIV virus Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets involved in AIDS. The Fungal Pharmacy by Robert Rodgers, RH(AHG) Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide by Hong-Yen Hsu Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs Continued on page 4 Order products from Herbal Rose Health & Wellness - (775) 499-5877 - http://herbalrose.mynsp.com/ - 3 This issue of Sunshine Sharing is provided by: Herbal Rose Health & Wellness Linda Jenks (775) 499-5877 or (775) 233-7824 http://herbalrose.mynsp.com/ 614 Sugar Tree Court, Reno, NV 89511 Hours by appointment only

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Continued from page 3 Poria or Hoelen Chaga (Wolfiporia cocos) (Inonotus obliquus) Poria is a white mushroom that grows Chaga typically grows on birch on wood, particularly on pine trees. trees in Northern Europe, Asia, However, the medicinal part isn’t the and Canada and has been used mushroom, it’s the sclerotium, which by Eastern Europeans, Eurasians, is a mass of hardened fungal mycelium that stores food reserves. Scandinavians, and Native Americans. The dried mushroom is used The sclerotium develops underground and looks somewhat like a as a tinder to make fires, which where it gets the common names coconut. It has a long history of use in Chinese medicine. clinker polypore and cinder conk. In TCM it is considered a diuretic, relaxing nervine and Chaga was traditionally used for tuberculosis, ulcers, heart, nutritive. It has antibacterial activity and is used as a fortifying lung and liver problems. In 1955 an extract from it was approved agent in many TCM formulas. as an anticancer drug (betungin) in Russia. There has been some Using Medicinal Mushrooms pharmacological research done on it in, but more research is needed. There are many beneficial mushrooms besides those mentioned It has immune modulating qualities and stimulates macrophage in this article. Other varieties that may benefit human health include and natural killer cells, which are part of the innate immune system. lion’s mane, morels, and oyster mushrooms. It also appears to contain antiviral and antioxidant compounds. Mushrooms are extremely safe remedies, but don’t harvest them Agaricus (Agaricus bitorquis, A. rodmannii) from the wild unless you know what you are doing, as there are There are many agaracus many toxic fungi as well. Remember the old saying, “There are old species, which includes the white mushroom hunters, and bold mushroom hunters, but there are no mushrooms most people are old, bold mushroom hunters.” So, get your medicinal mushrooms familiar with as well as crimini from quality suppliers who can guarantee you’ve got the right fungi. and portobello mushrooms. Not For general health effects, a combination of mushrooms, taken all species in the Agaricus genus frequently or even daily, can provide a broad umbrella of protection. are edible, however. The edible All of the previously mentioned mushrooms, excluding Poria, are Agaricus are great mushrooms for helping to utilize waste from part of a good Immune Enhancing Mushroom Blend. It can be feedlots. They grow well in manure, especially when it is mixed taken for general health or as part of a natural protocol to fight with straw or sawdust. infections or cancer. As a powder you can add a scoop to smoothies, In traditional Chinese medicine, button mushrooms are used soups or stews to fortify them with immune enhancing benefits. to regulate body energy and remove phlegm from the body. They If you’re battling cancer or a serious infection you can also try are often combined with reishi. They contain beta-glucans and an Immune Stimulating Formula, which contains beta-glucans other compounds that are antibacterial and antiviral. So, they can along with cordyceps, reishi and maitake. Take 2 capsules every help to boost immune responses. 2-4 hours to boost the immune system when fighting infection or 2 capsules 3-4 times a day to aid the immune system in fighting as part of a holistic approach to cancer.